Software

Version Identification by Software Method

FConFiler

An alternative way to determine the version of the HKS F-CON V Pro hardware is using FConFiler.zip (MD5: e0d8dd0ee8cdfaa415f351e56d5eb5fa) by Kashima. If there is password protection enabled, the Read button will prompt for the password.

FConFiler will not work with: f-con v gold v3.3, or f-conv v silver v2.x, or f-con iS.

To read the maps, press the "Read" button, then save the file. It will show the extension in the file dialog box. Also, Write button is used for sending the complete tune to the HKS hardware unit, whereas Read button is to receive tune from HKS hardware unit.

Version compatibility

PowerWriter 3.24 will work with firmware 3.22 and v3.23, but extra features (eg: navigator control) is not available.
PowerWriter 3.24 apparently does not have the ability to password reset 3.22 and 3.23 firmware. Use PW 3.2 or 3.23 for that.
PowerWriter 3.1 will work with firmware 3.0, but extra features (eg: 4 optional voltage output) is not available.

File Formats

Data Files: Read and Write: V Pro series

	FZ3		FR5		FF5		FP5		F55		FCP
	R	W	R	W	R	W	R	W	R	W	R	W
PowerWriter F-CON V Pro 3.3	✔	✔	✔	-	✔	-	✔	-	-	-	-	-
PowerWriter F-CON V Pro 3.24	-	-	✔	✔	✔	-	✔	-	-	-	-	-
PowerWriter F-CON V Pro 3.2	-	-	-	-	✔	✔	✔	-	-	-	-	-
PowerWriter F-CON V Pro 3.1	-	-	-	-	-	-	✔	✔	✔	-	✔	-
PowerWriter F-CON V Pro 3.0	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	✔	✔	✔	-
PowerWriter F-CON V Pro 2.1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	✔	✔

Data Files: Read and Write: non-V Pro series

	FIS		FSZ		FCS		FCV
	R	W	R	W	R	W	R	W
PowerWriter F-CON iS	✔	✔	✔	-	✔	-	-	-
PowerWriter F-CON SZ	-	-	✔	✔	✔	-	✔	-
PowerWriter F-CON S	-	-	-	-	✔	✔	✔	-
PowerWriter F-CON V 2.0	-	-	-	-	-	-	✔	✔

Tuning

Some people have sent questions to me about how to tune engine by oneself. The short answer is that tuners (and engine builders / etc) exist for a reason - they know from experience what can be done, and how to tune to the exact overall modifications. The more power, the more engine safety consideration that must be done.

It's possible to tweak the tune by one self, but only for stability reasons, such as idle or smoothing out the injection pulse-width curve.

"Saving money" is a silly approach to cut corners - regardless of intention.

Put simply: if you've never had an engine tuned by someone who does it week-in week-out, then you don't understand nor appreciate the "hidden knowledge" that goes into tuning.

Unfortunately, even with this "hidden knowledge", it depends what you want to achieve, as there are _always_ compromises involved - engine safety (reliability) over ultimate maximum power. There are some people that become too greedy then it's too late!

Tuning style

There are different styles of tuning for the HKS ECUs.

The main ones are:
• pressure-RPM (pulse-width injection) - formally called speed-density.
• airflow-RPM (volumetric efficiency).

Other combination tuning styles involve:
• pressure-RPM with throttle-RPM correction - formally called speed-density / alpha-N hybrid or 4d-table.
• airflow-RPM with pressure-RPM correction.
• throttle-RPM with pressure-RPM correction.